How Do We Solve the Housing Crisis? With Sarah Woodgate, President and CEO, Calgary Housing Company

Sarah Woodgate is the President and CEO of the Calgary Housing Company. As a professional urban planner, she began her career in Ontario and has now been in Calgary for over 20 years.

As Sarah notes:

The housing crisis is moving fast, and one thing is clear: we need a major boost in housing supply from all sources. Middle housing is a crucial part of this solution. The Calgary Housing Company is committed to making Calgary affordable by expanding housing options for the future.

Calgary Housing is stepping up with a new plan to build 1,800 homes over the next decade. This initiative will boost our ability to offer affordable housing year after year. Our new homes are self-sustaining, with rental income covering operating costs and various rental rates to meet different needs.

Calgary Housing is just one piece of a larger puzzle involving all levels of government, affordable housing organizations, and private developers.

Want to learn more about middle housing development? Visit our website: https://www.mddl.co/ 

Show notes:

• 01:00 – Sarah’s background in urban planning. 
• 03:20 – The need for housing changes so fast it’s hard to keep up. 
• 05:15 – The new poverty line and what’s really affordable. 
• 11:00 – What does a new application for CHC look like?
• 13:30 – How do we solve the housing crisis?
• 15:30 – Dealing with the fear of change and need for gentle density. 
• 22:00 – The demand for multi-generational housing. 

This brings the first season of meet in the mddl to an end. Stay tuned for season 2!